History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Vashishtha Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Vashisht is the name of a small village in Manali stretched across the River Beas. This beautiful village is world famous for its sulphurous hot water springs and the Vashisht temple, built just next to these springs. The temple is dedicated to the great sage of ancient Indian history, Maharishi Vashisht. The village also houses many temples dedicated to saint Vashisht and Lord Rama. This place has a refreshing atmosphere that will allow one to indulge in exotic baths while seeking blessing from the presiding deity of the temple.
Vashisht offers an excellent view of the Beas River and the Old Manali region. The river valley spreads below at sunset that gives an excellent sight and picture perfect view.
The water from the temple’s spring is believed to have great healing powers, which can cure many skin diseases and other bodily infections. It is among the most famous places to visit in the city.
Historical background of Vashishtha Temple, Manali
The village of Vashisht was named after Rishi Vashisht, one of the seven sages of Hindu. According to the legends that circulate among the locals, Rishi Vashisht was left deeply saddened and depressed on coming to know that his children had been killed by Vishwamitra. Rishi Vashisht also tried to commit suicide by jumping into a river but seeing his greatness and pious personality the River refused to kill him. He then started a new life in the village here taking blessings from the River Goddess. The River which took the Rishi to the village was named Vipasha, meaning freedom from bondage. The Vipasha River is today known as the Beas River.
Thus, the Vashisht temple is believed to be more than 4000 years old, keeping secure the remnants of the ancient Indian history.
Architecture of Vashishtha Temple, Manali
Inside the temple, a black stone image of the Rishi wearing a dhoti is established. The temple is also decorated with excellent and beautiful carvings on wood in the interiors as well as the exteriors. The interior of the temple is traditional as ornamented with antique painting and figures. It truly justifies the rich heritage that India boasts of.
There is another famous ancient stone temple located adjacent to the Vashisht temple, known as Rama Temple. Inside the Rama temple, the idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana along with Lord Hanuman have been installed.
Hot spring at Vashishtha Temple, Manali
There are Turkish-style bath houses available at the Temple Vashisht premises that contain the hot water from the springs, which are used to take bath and enjoy the warmth of the place in privacy. Separate bathrooms for men and women are also established and fitted with showers. The Vashisht Hot Water Spring is one of the famous attractions of this region as the hot springs is believed to have medicinal value that cures many skin diseases. Many people go to the Vashisht baths to take a holy dip and rid themselves of skin infections and diseases.
Festivals celebrated at Vashishtha Temple, Manali
Dussehra is the main festival of the temple which symbolises good over evil. It is celebrated for seven consecutive days with fairs and cultural performances organised among the locals. The village was the centre of Vaishnava cult for a long time and thus also celebrates festivals of Janamashtmi, Narak Chaturdasi among many more.
Vashishtha Temple, Manali Daily Temple Timings
The Vashist Temple open from 7 am in the morning to 9 pm in the evening. The timings for bathing in the Vashisht hot spring is 7 am to 1 pm, and 2 pm to 9 pm. It can be reached on all days of the week.
Popular belief and association with Ramayana - Vashishtha Temple, Manali
The place is deeply associated with the legends of Ramayana, the great Indian epic. An ancient stone temple of Lord Rama stands adjacent to the Vashisht temple. The popular hot spring of the village is believed to have been created by Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Ram, and is thus an important Hindu Pilgrimage centre. The creation of the spring is associated with the belief that since Lakshman, did not want sage Vashisht to walk too far for a bath; so he shot an arrow into the ground, and the hot springs emerged then and there, making it convenient for the sage.
How to Reach Vashishtha Temple, Manali, Manali, Major Tourist Destination of Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali being one of the major tourist center along with important town of Himachal Pradesh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Millions of tourist across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Manali more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar airport which is located just at a distance of around 50 km from the city. Joginder nagar railway station is the nearest major rail junction which is at around 140 km from city. Manali is located at 40 km from Kullu, 300 km from Chandigarh, 238 km from Shimla, 537 km from Delhi, 450 km from Vaishnodevi, 182 km from Palampur, 123 km from Mandi and 135 km from Joginder nagar.
